Long ago on independence square (St. Joseph, Rolla: city hall, home, construction)

[WCHS'59]

I just came across an item concerning Washington Irving, author of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle, among other books.

In 1832, Washington Irving rode by horseback from St Louis to Independence taking 9 days to get here.

Irving’s view of Independence: “We have gradually been advancing, however, toward rougher and rougher life, and are now at a straggling little frontier village that has only been five years in existence.”

Irving was headed to find the Osage and go on a buffalo hunt with them. He eventually caught up with them around present-day Tulsa.

If I recall correctly, he is the author who later described the Osage as being the tallest human beings he had ever seen.

[pearjas]

Yeah, they are coming along... will be interesting to see what they look like!

Originally Posted by Mad Anthonie

I drove past them today, the foundations are started from the east end of the block, but nothing yet on the west.

[WCHS'59]

What is this? What is it for? What does it do? Where is it? When was it put there?

Clues
1. The number 326+ has everything to do with this.
2. It is located in Independence, Missouri.
3. There is an indirect connection to the 38th largest city in Missouri.
4. This thing of marble extends in one piece, perhaps, 2.5 feet into the ground.
5.Everyone from Independence past and present on this forum or not on this forum has probably passed by this thing more than once during their life.
6.This thing also has an indirect connection to the eighth largest city in the state.
7.This thing has been around several years longer than the oldest Independence business.

[WCHS'59]

I see where MRG's favorite grocery store at Highway 24 and Northern is struggling but intends to stay in business with some type of renovation, although the explanation surrounding the situation sounds like a death knell to me.

This former Kroger store became Thriftway in 1969.

[Mad Anthonie]

Originally Posted by WCHS'59

What is this? What is it for? What does it do? Where is it? When was it put there?

Clues
1. The number 326+ has everything to do with this.
2. It is located in Independence, Missouri.
3. There is an indirect connection to the 38th largest city in Missouri.
4. This thing of marble extends in one piece, perhaps, 2.5 feet into the ground.
5.Everyone from Independence past and present on this forum or not on this forum has probably passed by this thing more than once during their life.
6.This thing also has an indirect connection to the eighth largest city in the state.
7.This thing has been around several years longer than the oldest Independence business.

Is it on the lawn of the Truman Courthouse?

[WCHS'59]

Originally Posted by Mad Anthonie

Is it on the lawn of the Truman Courthouse?

Have you seen it on the courthouse lawn? Tell us where.

Here are three more hints.

This thing has a direct connection to the “Iron Horse,” but has nothing to do with the closest iron trail.

If this thing could talk, it would tell you that it has seen much commotion and upheaval since coming to Independence.

The exact number related to this thing is 326.74, which is important--at least to the person placing it at its location. His cronies would probably agree, but I am not certain why.

[Mad Anthonie]

Originally Posted by WCHS'59

Have you seen it on the courthouse lawn? Tell us where.

Here are three more hints.

This thing has a direct connection to the “Iron Horse,” but has nothing to do with the closest iron trail.

If this thing could talk, it would tell you that it has seen much commotion and upheaval since coming to Independence.

The exact number related to this thing is 326.74, which is important--at least to the person placing it at its location. His cronies would probably agree, but I am not certain why.

Is it at the Temple Lot?

[WCHS'59]

What do these addresses have in common?:

124 s Main
200 s Main
210 w Maple
308 w Maple
113-115 w Lexington
125 w Lexington
205 w Lexington
107 w Kansas

[WCHS'59]

Originally Posted by Mad Anthonie

Is it at the Temple Lot?

It is not religious related or on religious property.

Some more hints.




11. The person who placed this object where it is, later became a two-term Independence mayor serving his terms several years a part.


12. Again, this thing is highly visible—if you are paying attention. Apparently, I have never paid attention and when I spotted this thing a few years ago, my only thought was a “gazing ball” probably put there for decoration even though that seemed a bit odd considering its location. I did not notice the printing on the opposite side, either, that is the 326 number. Prior to this time, I do not have any recollection of ever noticing it before.


13. The person who put this thing where it is, also did the short annotation on the photo at post #9568.

[Mad Anthonie]

Originally Posted by WCHS'59

What do these addresses have in common?:

124 s Main
200 s Main
210 w Maple
308 w Maple
113-115 w Lexington
125 w Lexington
205 w Lexington
107 w Kansas

They are all around the Independence Square!